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"Stille Nacht!" - Version Autograph VII

The following is the complete German text from an authentic version of Franz Gruber's known as Autograph VII and written around 1860.

Most English versions of "Silent Night!" include just three verses. These correspond to a translation from the original text of verses 1, 6 and 2, in that order.

Next to the German text below is a direct translation into English. The intent here is not to make translated lyrics which fit the melody, but rather to provide the reader with a better understanding of the original German text.

Silent night! Holy night!Where on this day all powerof fatherly love poured forthAnd like a brother lovingly embracedJesus the peoples of the world,Jesus the peoples of the world.

Silent night! Holy night!Already long ago planned for us,When the Lord frees from wrathSince the beginning of ancient timesA salvation promised for the whole world.A salvation promised for the whole world.

Silent night! Holy night!To shepherds it was first made knownBy the angel, Alleluia;Sounding forth loudly far and near:Jesus the Savior is here!Jesus the Savior is here!

Verse 4

"SILENT NIGHT!" versions from the hands of the creators

Including the original autographed score from the hand of Gruber, we are aware of a total of eight autographed versions of the song from the hands of the creators. The following are brief descriptions of these.

Gruber-Autograph I

Original score by Franz Gruber written on December 24, 1818; D-Dur, 6/8 time, for two solo voices and choir, with guitar accompaniment. Location: lost.

Gruber-Autograph II

Undated score by Franz Gruber, estimated to be from around 1854; D-Dur, 6/8 time; for 2 solo voices and choir, without accompaniment; 5 verses (the 3rd verse of the original is missing). Location: Silent Night Archives, Hallein.

Gruber-Autograph III

Undated score by Franz Gruber, estimated to be from around 1830; 6/8 time; for 2 solo voices and choir, with organ accompaniment. Location: lost.

Gruber-Autograph VI

Score by Franz Gruber, dated Dec. 30, 1854; the score accompanied Gruber's "Authentic Account" response to the inquiry from the Royal Court Chapel of Berlin as to the origin of the song. Location: lost.